Oregon Registers First Human Infection of Avian ‘Flu
The first human in Oregon to contract avian ‘flu has been confirmed by the state’s Health Authority (OHA).
This brings the national total of humans infected with avian ‘flu to 52, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The highest number of human infections is in California, with 26, with the second highest infection rate in Washington, where the CDC says 11 people contracted H5.
No Further Spread Among Humans Has Been Reported
According to the OHA, the person identified with H5 in Oregon displayed mild symptoms and has since made a full recovery. The OHA says antiviral treatment was administered to the patient and household contacts, and no further spread has been reported.
The OHA says public risk is low with no evidence of ‘person-to-person transmission.’
The symptoms in humans are fever, red eyes, chills, sore throats, and coughs.
Health authorities say people must avoid contact with sick and dead birds and animals, as well as their litter and droppings that pose the greatest risk of infection.
People are also warned to avoid consuming raw and unpasteurized dairy products.
Oregon Avian ‘Flu Outbreaks
The first outbreak of avian ‘flu in pigs was also confirmed by state officials in late October on a non-commercial farm in Crook County. They said the outbreak did not pose a threat to the food supply chain.
Also in late October, 150,000 birds were destroyed at a commercial poultry farm in Clackamas County after an outbreak of the H5 virus – a respiratory disease in birds that can spread to humans.
Millions of birds, including chickens and turkeys, have been infected with the H5N1 strain.
Read: Jackson Country Farm Placed Under Quarantine After Outbreak of Avian Flu
While avian ‘flu is associated with poultry, it also manifests in wild birds, aquatic species like dolphins, and carnivores like mountain lions, foxes, and coyotes that eat infected birds.
Read: Wild Birds Sheltered Indoors Following Outbreak of Avian ‘Flu in Oregon
According to the CDC, waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans are natural hosts of avian ‘flu strains. In Oregon, the H5N1 strain has killed the most cackling geese, especially young birds. Apart from waterfowl, the strain also attacks shorebirds, vultures, and raptors.
The CDC says the virus spreads easily throughout North America during the spring and fall migratory seasons.
To limit exposure, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is providing training and protective equipment to farmworkers in affected areas, while OHA epidemiologists are collaborating with the ODA and the CDC to monitor farmworkers exposed to H5N1-infected animals.
Monitoring will help them respond quickly to the outbreak of new symptoms consistent with avian ‘flu.